CHIMAIRA Guitarists Quit

Vocalist Mark Hunter of Cleveland, Ohio metallers CHIMAIRA has released the following statement:

"I would like to start off by thanking our fans for a great tour. This last run was a blast, and truly the most fun weve had in a long while. The energy from the audience was exactly what we needed, and a welcoming return. Thank you, guys!

"Unfortunately, as much fun as we were having, behind the scenes we were aware of some unfortunate realities that prevented us from 'living the dream' and having the time of our lives. We had another bomb to drop on the fans.

"Early in July, we were informed that Rob Arnold [guitar] and Matt DeVries [guitar] would be leaving CHIMAIRA at the end of 2011. Of course, this was a huge blow, but there were no hard feelings. We understand that life invades art, everything runs its course, and we have to take different paths. We respect their decision and wish them only the best. We made heavy metal history together and that is all that matters at the end of the day. 'Chimaira Christmas 12' will be their last show, and we've been preparing to make it one that you'll never forget.

"I would personally like to thank Rob and Matt for all of their hard work, years of service to CHIMAIRA, amazing songs, and for their friendship. Together we built something special that will remain for generations to come.

"I'm looking forward to spending another five weeks on the road with two of the best (and criminally underrated) guitarists in modern metal.

"What's next for CHIMAIRA in 2012? More on that very soon.

"Rather than try and make light of unpleasant news, or downplay this by hyping up a new lineup, let's take a few to honor Rob and Matt. My favorite solo of Rob's is on 'The Heart Of It All' and my favorite riff of Matt's is 'The Dehumanizing Process'. I'll be cranking those today. What about you?"

CHIMAIRA's new album, "The Age Of Hell", sold more than 7,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 54 on The Billboard 200 chart. The band's previous CD, "The Infection", opened with 15,000 units back in April 2009 to land at No. 30. This figure was roughly in line with the first-week tally registered by CHIMAIRA's 2007 album, "Resurrection", which shifted 16,000 copies to enter the chart at No. 42.

"The Age Of Hell" was released in the U.S. on August 16 via eOne Music; in Germany on August 26; and in the United Kingdom, Australia and the rest of Europe on August 29 through Long Branch Records.